Process for testing the filling capability of tobacco and devices for performing such process

ABSTRACT

The &#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;filling capability&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39; of tobacco is measured by pressing a pressure plate of fixed area onto a quantity of tobacco with a constant pressure, providing a point source of ionizing radiation at a fixed position on the vertical axis of the plate and determining the quantity of radiation, either reflected by or transmitted through the compressed tobacco, from the radiation source to detection means positioned approximately in the plane of the pressure plate. Several embodiments of apparatus for conducting such measurements are disclosed.

United States Patent [191 Marek et al.

[4 1 Mar. 19, 1974 PROCESS FOR TESTING THE FILLING CAPABILITY OF TOBACCO AND DEVICES FOR PERFORMING SUCH PROCESS [75] Inventors: Josef Marek; Giinther Hayn; Harald R iitzer, all of Vienna, Aus tn a [73] Assignee: Austria Tabakwerke Aktiengesellschaft vorm. Osterreichische Tabakregie, Osterreich, Germany 22 Filed: June 9,1972

21 App]. No.: 261,319

[52] US. Cl 250/308, 250/253, 250/358 [51] Int. Cl. G01n 23/10 [58] Field of Search 250/43.5 D, 83.3 D, 83.6 S,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2.800.131 7/1957 Molins et al. 250/83.3 D X 2/1969 Wack 250/83.3 D 12/1970 Bless et al 250/83.6 S

Primary Examiner-Archie R. Borchelt Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Kemon, Palmer & Estabrook [57] ABSTRACT The filling capability" of tobacco is measured by pressing a pressure plate of fixed area onto a quantity of tobacco with a constant pressure, providing a point source of ionizing radiation at a fixed position on the vertical axis of the plate and determining the quantity of radiation, either reflected by or transmitted through the compressed tobacco, from the radiation source to detection means positioned approximately in the plane of the pressure plate. Several embodiments of apparatus for conducting such measurements are disclosed.

' 9 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention Thisinvention relates to a process for measuring the filling capability of tobacco or the like by determining the apparent density of the compressed material under test and devices for performing such process.

2. Description of the Prior Art I Methods and devices for testing the so-called fillin capability" for tobacco in cut or someother condition are known in the tobacco industry. Filling capability means, generally speaking, a numerical value indicating the quantity of tobacco necessary to exert a certain pressure, in a given volume filled with said tobacco,

against the enclosing planes.

Another value related to filling capability is the pressure which is exerted by a certain quantity of tobacco onto the enclosing planes, when said quantity of tobacco is compressed to a certain volume.

According to practice, the first value commonly is I indicated, i.e., the apparent density with a given pressure. In order to determine this value according to known methods, a sample of tobacco having an exactly determined weight is put into the measuringbowl, usually having the form of a cylinder, and the filling height is read without any further measurements, or the sample is compressed to a certain pressure by means of a ram or a piston. After a certain time, the filling height then is read and the volume which the sample then presents. is determined from the known dimensions of the cylinder. As the quantity too is known, the calculation shows an apparent density of the tobacco under the pressure caused by the piston load (cf. Annales S.E- .I.T.A.-D.E.E.-, Section 1, 1964, no. 2).

ln such tests, the obtained value largely depends on temperature and moisture and for this reason these two values have to be determined-separately and have to be mathematically interpreted in order to obtain a value for the filling capability under normal conditions.

Moreover, since a plurality of tests is necessary tovobcircumstances, its quantity is modified, e.g., by breaking of individual fibres.

Yet another problem in the known methods arises from the compression of the tobacco in the test cylinder, or other container, either by the weight of the tobacco itself or by the piston, which is relatively much influenced, particularly at the skin of the container, by effects of friction. Thus, the essential condition, i.e., that absolute values and not just comparative values for the filling capability are obtained, is difficult to attain. This condition requires that the apparent density, i.e.,

the quotient of mass, volume and pressure be constant in the total area concerned.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention avoids the aforementioned shortcomings in that the measuring of the apparent density of the material under test is effected by measuring of the absorbtive or reflectance power of the material under test for ionizing radiation by means of a measuring device comprising a radiation source and at least one detector, which measuring device has a plane or slightly curved surface which is pressed with a predetermined force onto the material under test and thereby generates a certain pressure in the irradiation area, said pressuring being approximately constant. It is possible thereby to stabilize the pressure exerted on the material under test during the measuring and to determine the inherent density or to vary the pressure as long as a certain density is reached.

Advantages of the present invention, compared with prior known methods, are (a) that there is no weighing and manipulation of the tobacco, (b) that friction effects are nearly totally eliminated and (c) that a combination of measuring moisture and temperature along with automatic adjustment (reference to standard values) is possible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Further details of the new methods of the present invention, as well as devices for performing them, are described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a sectional plan view, taken on line 1-1 of FIG. 2,

FIG. 2 is a vertical section thereof,

FIGS. 3 and 4 are illustrations of a second embodiment according to the invention,

FIGS. 5 and 6 area front section and a lateral section of an arrangement protected against radiation of a device according to the invention in an indicator cabinet.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The device according to FIGS. 1 and 2 essentially comprises a cylindrical housing A closed at the bottom by a pressure plate 1. In the middle of the pressure plate 1, there is a radiation source 2. Screening 9 allows rays originating from radiation source 2 to directly reach the detectors 3 only when they are reflected by test material lying under pressure plate 1. The impulses picked up by the detectors 3 are supplied to a recording device 8 by an analyzing control 6 which is fed by batteries 7.

During the measuring procedure, an area is formed underneath the bottom surface of the measuring device in which a pressure prevails that is independent of the filling properties of test materiaL'Due to unavoidable friction effects, the diameter of the zone with constant pressure decreases more and more with increasing vertical distance from the bottom surface, so that a volume is formed approximately having the form of a cone in which the above-mentioned requirement for constant pressure is met with great exactitude. By the illustrated selection of the arrangement of the radiation source and the detectors, the density is measured just in the region in which the condition for constant pressure is insured. This eliminates one of the main shortcomings of the prior known methods, i.e., the adverse influence of friction. This is particularly true due to the fact that the tobacco does not have to be filled into a cylinder when using the device according to the present invention and therefore no skin friction occurs.

It is also possible to mount a thermometer probe as well as electrodes for the electric moisture measuring at the bottom of the pressure plate which permits a direct compensation of the indicated value for an apparent density (reduction to standard conditions).

FIGS. 3 and 4 are further embodiments of measuring devices of the invention. The density test here is done by measuring the absorption of the rays between radiation source and detectors, this having the advantage of higher counting rates compared with reflectance measurement. The illustrated particular embodiment of the invention is constructed in such a manner that the spe cific weight suffices to effect the compression of the tobacco in the afore-mentioned cone-shaped volume when the measuring device is positioned on top of a tobacco sample. FIG. 4 shows the radiation source 2 mounted at the tip of a needle 4, the counter tubes used as detectors 3', the electronics 6, the batteries 7 as well as the recording instrument 8.

If the device is positioned onto the tobacco sample, the needle penetrates without any further resistance into the tobacco while the protective pipe 5, loaded by a weak spring, is pushed back into its jacket and liberates the radiation source 2. The device now penetrates into the tobacco until a pressure has built up under pressure plate 1 which results from the weight imposed by the surface of pressure plate 1. This pressure equally continues underneath the bottom surface within the mentioned cone-shaped region, the aforementioned conditions for the test of the apparent density thus being met. The determination of density is effected by absorption measurement of the radiation originating from source 2 which radiation is received by detectors 3 having the form of counter tubes in the illustrated embodiment, is interpreted by the electronics in the upper portion of the device and is indicated by the indicator. The indication can be gauged by comparison with other devices measuring the filling capability.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate an aluminum housing 10 having a slide-in unit 11 in its bottom part into which the container 12 with tobacco 13 to be measured is inserted. The slide unit 11 is constructed in such manner that it operates as sluice, i.e., it is not possible to reach the region of radiation by hand if the unit 11 is open or closed. The unit 11 with the tobacco sample 13 is shut whereby a magnetic bar 16 snaps in place. By pushing a button (not shown), a spindle 14, driven by a motor 15, lowers the measuring probe 17 having a radiation source arranged at the point of a needle connected with the pressure plate 1 onto the tobacco sample. The measuring probe 17 hangs in a cone-shaped centering device 20 which is lowered more than the measuring probe 17 so that in the lower final position of lowering, the measuring probe 17 rests on the tobacco under its own weight and is not in contact with any guide. The measuring probe 17 is connected with measuring electronics by a flexible connector 18.

When the lowering mechanism has reached its bottom position, a time meter starts. At the front side of 6 matically indicated. (Tobacco has a certain creep behavior, that is why the defined load time is necessary).

The motor 15 then lifts the probe 17 and it is again centered in the centering device 20. Upon arrival at its 5 upper position, the lowering device trips the magnetic latch 16 whereby the unit 11 is pushed out somewhat by means of a spring 19. The unit 11 can then be opened by hand in order to insert a new tobacco sample 13.

The embodiment of the device according to the invention illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 has a number of advantages. First, there is protection against radiation. Due to the totally closed construction in connection with the sluice-type unit 11, there is a total protection against radiation. Additionally thereto, a control for the probe 17 may be provided which detects a possible break of the mounting of the radiation source (needleshaped point) to give a warning and the magnetic bar 16 will receive no more opening impulse, so that the unit 11 cannot be opened.

Further, as to measuring, the automatic lowering of the probe should be done reproducibly and probe 17 should be centric. If the tobacco sample has been filled unfavorably so that the probe inclines upon being lowered, the device may be provided with a warning light that flashes. In this way, it is possible to obtain very reproducible data. Also, an automatic time meter may record the data after the passage of a given load period and the record may be digital.

In yet another embodiment, the measuring device, separated from the electronics, may be pressed by some suitable pressure means, e.g., a compressed-air cylinder, hydraulic cylinder, etc., onto the tobacco sample lying underneath. With this arrangement, the measuring may be effected with different pressures which permits obtainment of further information as to the qualities of elasticity of the tobacco.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or right is claimed are defined as follows:

1. A method for testing the filling capability of tobacco or like material under test which comprises:

a. compressing material under test beneath a pressure plate of predetermined area that applies a predetermined pressure to said material under test,

b. providing a substantially point source of ionizing radiation approximately on the central vertical axis of said predetermined area adjacent the horizontal plane of said pressure plate or a short distance below said plane,

c. maintaining said pressure plate in compressing position with said predetermined pressure for a measured period of time,

d. maintaining said source of ionizing radiation at said position of step b for said measured period of time, and

e. measuring the quantity of ionizing radiation that arrives at a predetermined area adjacent said vertical axis in approximately said horizontal plane over said measured period of time.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the pressure applied by said pressure plate to the material under test corresponds to the weight of the pressure plate and ancillary test means affixed thereto.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the pressure applied by said pressure plate to the material under test derives from a power source external of said pressure plate.

4. A method for testing the filling capability of tobacco which comprises:

a. compressing tobacco under a circular pressure plateof predetermined area that applies a predetermined pressure upon the tobacco beneath it,

b. providing a substantially point source of ionizing radiation above the tobacco compressed beneath said pressure plate, said source being on approximately the central vertical axis of said pressure plate,

c. maintaining said pressure plate in compressing position as stated for step a for a measured period of time,

d. maintaining said source of ionizing radiation fixed in the position as stated in step b for said measured period of time, and

e. measuring the quantity of ionizing radiation that arrives at an area concentric with said vertical axis in approximately the horizontal plane of said pressure plate by reflection from said source by the compressed tobacco over said measured period of time.

5. A method for testing the filling capability of to bacco which comprises:

a. compressing tobacco under a circular pressure plate of inverted dished configuration, which plate applies a predetermined constant pressure upon the tobacco beneath it,

b. providing a substantially point source of ionizing radiation beneath said pressure plate within said compressed tobacco, said source being on approxi mately the central vertical axis of said pressure plate,

c. maintaining said pressure plate in compressing position as stated for step a for a measured period of time,

d. maintaining said source of ionizing radiation fixed in the position as stated in step b for said measured period of time, and

e. measuring the quantity of ionizing radiation that arrives at an area concentric with said vertical axis in approximately the horizontal plane of said pressure plate by transmission from said source through the compressed tobacco over said measured period of time.

6. A device for testing the filling capability of tobacco which comprises:

a. a pressure plate of predetermined area,

b. a point source of ionizing radiation approximately on the central axis of said pressure plate,

c. a plurality of detectors for ionizing radiation originating from said point source positioned approximated on the plane of said pressure plate concentric with said central axis.

7. The device of claim 6 wherein said radiation source is positioned on the point of a needle that depends from the bottom side of said pressure plate on said central axis.

8. The device of claim 7 wherein a protective pipe slidably encircles said needle and is spring biased into a position to surround the entire length of said needle.

9. The device of claim 6 wherein said pressure plate is dish shaped and said detectors lie on the convex side thereof.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3, 798, 456" Dated March 19, 1974 Inventor(s) Josef Marek; Gunther Hayn; Harald Rotzer It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data June 11, 19712 Austria................... A 5033 Signed and sealed this 17th day of September 1974,

(SEAL) Attest:

COY M. GIBSON JR. -C. MARSHALL DANN z ftitesting Officer 1 Commissioner of Patents C M PO-1050 (10-69) USCOMM-DC 6O376-P69 U.S GOVERNMENT PR INTING OFFICE I969 0-366-334, 

1. A method for testing the filling capability of tobacco or like material under test which comprises: a. compressing material under test beneath a pressure plate of predetermined area that applies a predetermined pressure to said material under test, b. providing a substantially point source of ionizing radiation approximately on the central vertical axis of said predetermined area adjacent the horizontal plane of said pressure plate or a short distance below said plane, c. maintaining said pressure plate in compressing position with said predetermined pressure for a measured period of time, d. maintaining said source of ionizing radiation at said position of step b for said measured period of time, and e. measuring the quantity of ionizing radiation that arrives at a predetermined area adjacent said vertical axis in approximately said horizontal plane over said measured period of time.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the pressure applied by said pressure plate to the material under test corresponds to the weight of the pressure plate and ancillary test means affixed thereto.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the pressure applied by said pressure plate to the material under test derives from a power source external of said pressure plate.
 4. A method for testing the filling capability of tobacco which comprises: a. compressing tobacco under a circular pressure plate of predetermined area that applies a predetermined pressure upon the tobacco beneath it, b. providing a substantially point source of ionizing radiation above the tobacco compressed beneath said pressure plate, said source being on approximately the central vertical axis of said pressure plate, c. maintaining said pressure plate in compressing position as stated for step a for a measured period of time, d. maintaining said source of ionizing radiation fixed in the position as stated in step b for said measured period of time, and e. measuring the quantity of ionizing radiation that arrives at an area concentric with said vertical axis in approximately the horizontal plane of said pressure plate by reflection from said source by the compressed tobacco over said measured period of time.
 5. A method for testing the filling capability of tobacco which comprises: a. compressing tobacco under a circular pressure plate of inverted dished configuration, which plate applies a predetermined constant pressure upon the tobacco beneath it, b. providing a substantially point source of ionizing radiation beneath said pressure plate within said compressed tobacco, said source being on approximately the central vertical axis of said pressure plate, c. maintaining said pressure plate in compressing position as stated for step a for a measured period of time, d. maintaining said source of ionizing radiation fiXed in the position as stated in step b for said measured period of time, and e. measuring the quantity of ionizing radiation that arrives at an area concentric with said vertical axis in approximately the horizontal plane of said pressure plate by transmission from said source through the compressed tobacco over said measured period of time.
 6. A device for testing the filling capability of tobacco which comprises: a. a pressure plate of predetermined area, b. a point source of ionizing radiation approximately on the central axis of said pressure plate, c. a plurality of detectors for ionizing radiation originating from said point source positioned approximated on the plane of said pressure plate concentric with said central axis.
 7. The device of claim 6 wherein said radiation source is positioned on the point of a needle that depends from the bottom side of said pressure plate on said central axis.
 8. The device of claim 7 wherein a protective pipe slidably encircles said needle and is spring biased into a position to surround the entire length of said needle.
 9. The device of claim 6 wherein said pressure plate is dish shaped and said detectors lie on the convex side thereof. 